More than just a number

April 23, 2018

Dear Readers:

The Social Security number (SSN) has been around since 1936, but what do you know about it?

The SSN was originally designed simply to monitor wages for workers in the United States, to help them receive monetary benefits. But the number has morphed into an identifier for all sorts of services, public and private.

The trend now is to get away from the SSN as a way to identify or verify a person. Your identity can be compromised, and various types of accounts can be opened in your name using your Social Security number.

If a business requests your SSN, ask how the number will be used, how it is protected, why it is needed and what can happen if you don’t give out your number.

Even Medicare is assigning unique numbers and getting away from the SSN. If applicable, you’ll receive a new card in the mail — you don’t have to do anything.

The Social Security number has grown larger than its intended initial purpose, but the tide is turning, and security is becoming the name of the game. — Heloise

P.S. Be vigilant with your SSN online. Use only trusted sites.

Dear Heloise:

I read you every day in the Houston Chronicle. Have you noticed that many restaurants have replaced salt and pepper shakers with “grinders” — necessitating wrapping your whole hand around the grinder?

I think it’s unsanitary. Who knows where the person’s hands have been? With shakers, it’s pretty easy to use a paper napkin. Not so easy with grinders!

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Lifestyle

Beauty samples often are offered with an online order or from a beauty adviser at the department store. I appreciate it, and I understand that the company is wanting me to try new products, but typically the sample is so small that it’s not enough to get a good feel for the item, and, at the same time, I end up accumulating so many that it’s overwhelming me!

There’s usually a choice of whether to take the samples. I’ve learned to skip them.

Heather P. in Pittsburgh

Dear Heloise:

Printed return-address labels have other uses. I cut out three or four (including the paper backing) to carry in my wallet so I can attach them on forms that ask for my name and address.

I also give them to people who ask for my address, and this avoids misspelled names and mixed-up ZIP codes. Also, it saves hunting for pencil and paper.